Independent Living Resources

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!

Today we honor and thank all who have served our country. Your courage and dedication inspire us every day.

We are open today and available for walk ins and phone calls.

11/06/2025

November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about how assistive technology supports people with disabilities. Many people use various types of assistive technology to write, type, learn, communicate, move, hear, and much more. Under the ADA’s reasonable accommodation and modification requirements, employers, government entities, and public accommodations must provide or allow people with disabilities to use assistive technology to access and participate in different activities and services.

But what exactly is assistive technology? Does it only refer to high-tech or computerized tools? Who benefits from assistive technology?

To learn more about the basics of assistive technology, check out this resource from the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA): bit.ly/assistive-tech-atia.

11/06/2025

Action Alert: Public Hearing on DVR Funding Shortage

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. to gather input on its proposed plan to address a severe funding shortage. The plan includes implementing waiting lists for services.

What is DVR?
DVR helps people with disabilities find, obtain, and maintain employment. The current two-year state budget did not allocate enough funds to meet demand. Wisconsin needs $4.6 million more to fully fund DVR and access the maximum federal match, which would bring in over $20 million for the program.

Why this matters:
Demand for DVR services has grown by 20% in the past four years.
DVR plans to create a waiting list for new applicants and those without an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
DVR has not had a waiting list in over a decade. New applicants may wait six months for services.
DVR receives about 1,200 new applications per month, 1,000 of which are from individuals with significant disabilities.

Questions you can ask at the hearing:
Why is DVR putting a wait on all new applications instead of prioritizing those with the most significant disabilities?
Can DVR get more money from the state to avoid delays?
Has DVR asked the Governor or Legislature for extra funding?
What happens if DVR doesn’t get more money?
Will services or plans change due to the shortage?
Could policies like ending plans early be considered?

How to participate:
No registration required. Join the virtual hearing on Nov. 13 at 2:00 p.m.: https://publicmeetings.wi.gov/view/b9ea2763-4d6a-4a0e-9bd7-c9bbb13ff20e
If you cannot attend, submit comments by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 via:
• Email: dvrpolicyanalysts@dwd.wisconsin.gov
• Fax: 608-266-1133
• Phone: 800-442-3477

A centralized location for state agencies to post open meeting notices and meeting minutes in an effort to increase state government transparency.

11/03/2025

AT Donation available:

EasyStand Lift Evolv (like item here: https://easystand.com/product/png50084-evolv-large/)

Located in La Crosse County.

Please contact us if interested! 608-787-1111 or advocacy@ilresources.org

10/31/2025

We have fun, work hard, AND give back!

ILR staff have been collecting food items to donate to our local pantries due to November Foodshare funds not being available. So we took this Halloween opportunity to show off our costumes and soon to be donations!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween.

10/24/2025

Today ILR staff Dana and Melissa are attending the ADRC of Southwest Wisconsin Elderfest! Located at the Youth & Ag Building of the Grant County Fairgrounds. Lots of vendors, give aways, live music and free health screenings. Head on down! There until 11:30am.

10/24/2025

📢 Important Update on FoodShare and WIC Benefits – Posted by DHS on October 21st

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is closely monitoring how this affects vital nutrition programs like FoodShare and WIC.

WIC is currently available for October, and based on current info, November benefits will also be available.
WIC members can continue using their benefits and attending appointments as usual.

FoodShare Benefits
October benefits were issued on time and are fully funded.
November benefits will be delayed unless the federal government reopens. Even if the shutdown ends immediately, benefits will not be available on time.

What You Need to Know:
• FoodShare members may not be able to use QUEST cards in November—even if there are remaining funds.
• If you still have benefits on your card, consider stocking up on non-perishable items (canned goods, boxed foods) before the end of October.
• DHS is notifying members by mail, text, email, and online through ACCESS and the FoodShare News & Updates page.
• DHS will update everyone as soon as benefits resume.

Need help with food or infant formula?
Call 211 or 877-947-2211
Visit: https://211wisconsin.communityos.org
Text your ZIP code to 898211
Let’s support each other and stay informed. 💙

10/22/2025

Due to a maintenance emergency in our building and necessary repairs, the ILR office will be closed to visitors for the rest of this week. Our office will reopen on Monday, October 27th. Staff will be working from other locations, so all of our services are still available. Please feel free to call us at 608-787-1111 or email at advocacy@ilresources.org. We apologize for any inconvenience.

10/22/2025

Assistive technology available for donation:

Power wheel chair

Quickie Q500M. 300 lbs capacity. 17 inch seat. Owners manual and charger. Used six months in 2024 in a nursing home environment.

Call 608-787-1111 or email advocacy@ilresources.org if you or someone you know is interested.

10/21/2025

We are so grateful to the Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria for hosting us for our staff fun day! Staff enjoyed pizza, popcorn, candy, and a movie! This time together helps us bond as staff members and show up better for the consumers we serve.

If you haven't been yet, The Riv is truly a La Crosse treasure and they do so many great events. Make sure to check them out 😎

10/21/2025

Due to a maintenance emergency in our building, the ILR office will be closed to visitors until Monday October 27th. Staff will be working from other locations, so all of our services are still available. Please feel free to call us at 608-787-1111 or email at advocacy@ilresources.org. We apologize for any inconvenience.

10/20/2025

See you there! 🌸🟢💗🟩